Did you know that New Hampshire is the only state that does not require drivers to have auto insurance? It’s true! If you’re familiar with the “Live Free or Die” state, that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. However, that doesn’t mean NH is happy to let motorists drive around unprotected. Although you don’t have to purchase insurance, you do have to prove that you have the funds to cover an at-fault accident. And the best way to ensure that you do is to have NH auto insurance.
Having NH auto insurance isn’t enough to keep you safe on the road. Here are some hazards you might run into while driving this summer.
Potholes, Construction, and Traffic
Potholes are a year-round problem, and you’ll likely run into a few this summer. The best thing to do is to drive around them or carefully steer so your wheels straddle the hole. If you can’t avoid a pothole, you should slow down ahead of it rather than breaking over it to prevent damage to your car.
Summer is an ideal time to fix those potholes, so you’ll likely encounter construction along your route this summer. Be aware of the work zone speed limits and always obey signals from flaggers. Sometimes you can plan around construction zones and take an alternate route, but if you can’t, make sure that you leave plenty of time to get where you’re going.
You’ll also encounter a fair amount of traffic this summer. Sometimes it’s due to construction, but it’s often because there are a lot of people on the road. Always stay diligent when there is a lot of traffic, and be aware of cyclists, pedestrians, and cars braking in front of you.
Rain and Fog
Winter isn’t the only season with weather that can make driving dangerous. If you’ve ever been caught in a torrential downpour while driving, you know that heavy rain can make it impossible to see where you’re going. Water on the roads can also create the conditions for hydroplaning. You should always reduce your speed to stay safe while driving in the rain. And if it’s raining too heavily to see where you’re going, the smartest thing to do is pull over until the rain lets up.
Fog is also a common occurrence in summer which can affect visibility on the road. Reduce your speed in foggy conditions, especially at night, and use your fog lights if your car has them.